Consumer Safety Complaints
Search 2,245,377 safety complaints filed by vehicle owners with NHTSA, including 140,173 crashes, 56,794 fires, and 8,580 deaths.
What is a NHTSA consumer complaint?
A consumer complaint is a free-form report filed by a vehicle owner directly to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) describing a safety concern about their vehicle. NHTSA collects these reports through its Vehicle Owner Defect Report (VOQ) system and publishes them publicly. Each complaint includes the affected component, the date and circumstances of the incident, whether the failure caused a crash or fire, and any reported injuries or deaths. The owner's full narrative description is included verbatim, NHTSA does not edit or moderate the descriptions.
The database below contains over 2,245,377 individual complaints. NHTSA's investigators monitor it for clusters of similar reports, when enough owners describe the same failure mode on the same vehicle, NHTSA may open a Preliminary Evaluation that can lead to a recall. Many of the largest recalls in U.S. history, including the Takata airbag recall and the Hyundai/Kia engine fire recalls, started as patterns visible in this complaint database years before they became formal recalls.
How to interpret what you read
A few principles for reading consumer complaints usefully:
- One complaint is anecdote; a hundred similar complaints is data. NHTSA does not investigate the truthfulness of any individual report, that's the job of the Office of Defects Investigation, which looks at the full pattern. When evaluating a vehicle, look for whether multiple owners describe the same chain of events.
- Crash, fire, injury, and death flags are owner-set. They are not verified by NHTSA. They are still useful as a filter, because owners who tick those boxes are typically reporting more serious incidents than those who don't.
- Component categories are NHTSA-assigned, not owner-assigned. NHTSA standardizes the component field so that complaints can be aggregated. The owner narrative often goes into more detail than the component category captures.
- Complaint volume scales with sales volume. A best-selling model will accumulate more raw complaints than a niche model even at the same defect rate. To compare across vehicles, look at complaints per 100,000 units sold, not raw counts.
If you've experienced a defect
File a complaint. NHTSA's investigators rely on this database to detect emerging defects, and useful complaints, specific, concrete, with dates and mileage and clear descriptions of what happened, feed directly into the agency's pattern detection. The form takes about 10 minutes and is at nhtsa.gov/recalls under "Report a Safety Problem." Your complaint becomes part of the same public record that this page is built from. Owners filing detailed VOQs are how recalls get triggered.
Read more from our blog
Showing 169,480 complaints - component: ENGINE
Incident date: Jun 22, 2026
6.2 engine seized again after oil change 3 days after This is my 3 rd Yukon that has done this and I’m not agreeing this shouldn’t be a recall I’ve been through this before
Incident date: Jul 29, 2026
Engine started making a loud knocking noise and it sounded like the engine was about to throw a rod. Turned engine off and called GM. Vehicle was towed to dealership and it was diagnosed with a thrust bearing failure. My truck only had 14k miles on it. To fix the bearing issue, it will need a new engine. GM does not currently have engines to replace the faulty ones so it has sat at the dealer... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
Component Failure & Availability: A GM remanufactured 2.4L engine block, installed as a replacement in July 2025, suffered a catastrophic internal failure (blown head gasket) within 11 months of installation. The vehicle and the component are currently in the owner's possession and are available for inspection upon request. Safety Risk: A blown head gasket with an internal coolant leak into Cylind... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
My 2021 Subaru Ascent (40,000 miles) suffered multiple major mechanical failures that pose ongoing safety concerns: 1. Engine Oil Leak: The vehicle developed an active engine oil leak at 20,000 miles, posing a risk of fluid contacting hot exhaust/engine components under the hood or causing low oil levels during operation. Repair time more than 35 days due to parts not available. 2. Loose Factory E... Read more
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2023) - ENGINE
Jul 29, 2026
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I keep getting coolant level low. I add coolant fluid into the tank and the warning message comes up again. I see no leaks under my vehicle so not sure if there’s a leak inside the tank itself or air leak somewhere but I’ve gotten that warning message about 10 or more times. Also as im driving the blind spot sensor just randomly goes off without a car or anything being next to me.
Incident date: Jul 2, 2026
I’ve reported this problem but as I got into the repair their was far more damaged that was caused due to the vacuum pump. It took out my exhaust camshaft and sent metal through out and the timing needs replaced as well. A shop would rather total my car than what it would cost to fix. I’m attempting to fix it myself but have been without my car for months now. This is created such a hardship a... Read more
Incident date: May 16, 2026
The vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic 48V mild-hybrid electrical power supply breakdown and complete system failure while traveling at highway speeds during a cross-country move. The sudden failure forced an emergency lane change into an isolation zone just off the highway. The sudden failure left the cabin completely powerless with no operational safety systems, hazard lights, or air condit... Read more
1 injured
Incident date: Mar 9, 2024
My 2017 Kia Sorento experienced a catastrophic, sudden engine lockup on the roadway due to a known manufacturing defect involving rod bearing failure. This defect caused complete loss of motive power and stalled the vehicle on the road, creating an extreme safety hazard for myself, my passengers, and surrounding motorists.Prior to the failure, the vehicle heavily consumed its own motor oil at a da... Read more
Incident date: Jul 16, 2026
The engine failed catastrophically. White smoke out of the exhaust at 145,000 miles. Dealer checked out the car and they initially though it was a head gasket failure. After taking the engine head off, it turns out it was a 'structural defect' (verbatim words from the mechanic), which was a divot in the engine block. The head gasket was in great shape. Therefore, I needed a 'new' used engine (at $... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
On June 20, 2026, while the 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe Sport was being driven on Richardson Highway near Mile 155 in Alaska, smoke and flames developed from the engine compartment without any collision. The driver stopped and both occupants exited before the vehicle became fully engulfed. The fire created an immediate risk of serious injury or death and blocked the northbound lane. There were no known... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
I was dropping off my fiancée to her doctor appointment and while driving to park the car started to smoke profusely. I was unable to tell at first, but I quickly realized that there was a flame spouting from between the front windshield and underneath the hood of the car. I jumped out of the car and grabbed both my [XXX] and [XXX] out of the car and immediately started running towards the office... Read more
Fire
Incident date: Jul 8, 2026
Going down the highway at highway speeds engine fully seized up almost cause an accident,, totally locked up engine, got towed to dealer and they said total engine failure just like in the priare years., been waiting for a new engine for almost 3month due to these failing on other cars,, they will be replacing my old engine with same engine that in prone to locking up. only a matter of time till t... Read more
Incident date: Feb 26, 2026
Car fails to move while in reverse, the rpm’s accelerate but the car doesn’t move the transmission seems to not be griping when in reverse i get a reading from diagnostic saying P2723
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Car shuts off at highway speeds and in stop and go traffic like it has a fuel delivery issue. Car sputters and then loses all power. I know there was a previous recall on this vehicle but I’m curious whether it was actually fixed on my car specifically.
Incident date: Apr 9, 2026
Vehicle started making a horrendous noise, knock and squeeling noise while on the highway. Approximately 2 minutes later the check engine light came on and we completely lost power. Went from 70 to zero dead on the side of the NY Thruway rapidly. Vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was confirmed that an engine replacement was necessary. Engine previously passed PICO test and update to the oi... Read more
GMC
SIERRA 1500
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: May 5, 2026
The engine lost power while driving, and the vehicle entered a reduced-power mode. The check engine light began flashing, and the engine made a loud knocking noise during acceleration. A diagnostic scan showed code P1326 (Knock Sensor Signal Range/Performance). The knock sensor was replaced, and the engine oil was refilled after discovering an oil leak. The vehicle operated normally for a short ti... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Repeated Check Engine light issue Ford failed to diagnosis and follow service bulletins regarding a defect in the engine block. Now Ford tells us that the engine block is cracked and wants us to pay full price for their faulty engine. Car was purchased with 31,388 on Dec. 4, 2020 as a Certified Pre-Owned Ford vehicle from a Ford dealership. 12/10/2022 with 46,728 miles Levittown Ford serviced t... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
Vehicle Safety Complaint My Kia experienced an ICCU (Integrated Charging Control Unit) failure and was at the dealership for approximately two months while awaiting repairs. The ICCU and related components were replaced, and I was told the vehicle had been repaired. However, immediately after I received the vehicle back, the “Check Electric Vehicle System” warning illuminated again. Since th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
I drive a leased 2024 Porsche Macan that has been serviced exclusively by Porsche of [XXX]. In May 2026, I brought the vehicle in because the engine was revving/racing while I was driving locally at slow to normal speeds. I also reported that the vehicle initiated sudden collision-avoidance braking when no vehicles or obstacles were present. I was told no problem could be found or replicated. On ... Read more
Crash
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
My 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe suffered a catastrophic internal engine failure and set DTC P2338 ("Cylinder 3 Above Knock/Combustion Vibration Sensor Threshold"). Although my VIN is not included in Safety Recall 78C (NHTSA 25V-766), my vehicle experienced the same failure mode, symptoms, and diagnostic code associated with the recall. Stellantis' STAR Center reviewed the case, confirmed internal ... Read more
Incident date: Jun 11, 2026
American Honda Motor Co., Inc. issued an official Warranty Extension in July 2025 covering engine misfires from piston ring deterioration (DTCs P0301-P0304) on 2013-15 Pilot and 2013-17 Odyssey vehicles. My 2015 Honda Odyssey (VIN: [XXX]) experienced this exact defect, resulting in severe engine misfires and secondary alternator failure caused directly by engine fluid saturation leaking onto it ... Read more
FORD
EXPEDITION
(2021) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Feb 5, 2026
On July 23, 2026, my 2023 Audi Q5 suddenly lost power while I was driving on the highway, with no prior symptoms before the incident. The vehicle began stuttering, entered limp mode, displayed multiple drive-system malfunction warnings, and developed a loud knocking sound from the engine area. The loss of power created a serious safety risk because the vehicle could no longer accelerate or operate... Read more
Incident date: Jul 23, 2026
CATASTROPHIC FAILURE TIMELINE (13 DAYS) XXX: Delivery taken at 105,439 miles.XXX: My boyfriend noticed a cloud of smoke from exhaust as I pressed the accelerator pedal to leave the parking lot. I didn't notice because it was almost dark outside when leaving. He didn't notice again so he didn't stop me and told me when we got home. XXX (Day 12): Check Engine Light (CEL) on. Dipstick found dry. 2 q... Read more
Incident date: Jul 13, 2026
The electronic throttle control light and check engine light are on. I took it to a mechanic and had the accelerator pedal replaced. The lights remained on and the truck remains in "limp mode" and will not go over 59mph. The mechanic stated that this is due to the unresolved recall problems with the traction control and anti lock braking system, and the HCU needing replaced. These components a... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
The Lifter on my GM Sierra AT4 truck with a 6.2L (L87) engine collapsed and damaged the engine shafts and cylinders in the block. While driving, the engine started to lose power, and a ticking noise started to occur. I pulled the car over to the side of the road and called the dealer, which told me to have the truck towed into the dealership. Metal was found in the Oil. The entire engine has ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
On June 25, 2026 my 2025 Honda Pilot Elite (47,503 miles) upon ignition had every warning light in the system illuminate sequentially without any prior incident. I had never experienced any indication of malfunction, including warning lights or messages. The Emissions System Problem light remained illuminated on the dashboard and, after review of the Owner's Manual instructions to avoid heavy ac... Read more
Incident date: Jul 7, 2026
My car had a lot of trouble accelerating it’s delayed
Incident date: Jul 21, 2026
Recently this vehicle has triggered a check engine light. Upon further examination the code was related to an ignition #3. (CODES: P020C, PO1DO).
Incident date: Jul 19, 2026
The charging system and alternator failed due to a known safety recall involving an oil leak from the front cylinder bank cover gasket. The oil leaked onto the alternator, causing the charging system to become inoperative and resulting in the engine stalling. The vehicle is currently at the Hyundai dealership and is available for inspection upon request. The engine stalled unexpectedly without any... Read more
Incident date: Jul 26, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Ford Focus. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 15 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The hazard lights were activated, and the vehicle was driven back to the residence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be d... Read more
HYUNDAI
TUCSON HYBRID
(2022) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 24, 2026
Fuel pump and thermostat failure. Known issue on 2017 GTI models and VW corporate will not grant an exception for the class action settlement since vehicle is outside of coverage period. All scheduled maintenance on vehicle has been done at a dealership and i have had no issues. Spoke with VW Corporate and they will not grant an exception or allow me to speak to anyone else after requesting an es... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
Unknown. Went in to get inspection for the recall on the motor and it failed the test so motor was replaced. Now the I've hade the motor for 9 moths started hearing knocking in the motor and losing power.
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 25, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Honda Accord. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the engine and TPMS warning lights illuminated. The message that the vehicle should not be driven was displayed. The lane assist feature was inoperable. The contact disconnected the battery, and the warning light disappeared. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The ma... Read more
Incident date: Jul 22, 2026
At approximately 44,000 miles, multiple warning lights illuminated on the dashboard of my 2018 Honda Accord (1.5L turbocharged engine), including brake system, electric power steering, and driver-assistance/collision-mitigation warnings, accompanied by a rough start and an engine misfire. I took the vehicle to an authorized Honda dealer, which performed a diagnostic scan and a borescope inspection... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
I Purchased the vehicle on May 29, 2026 and it stated the 6.2 liter engine recall had been fixed and that I have extended special coverage for the exact issue of the recall until 150008 miles on this vehicle. On July 14, 2026 the vehicle was being driven and stalled out at a traffic light and restarted, yet within a quarter mile it stalled again at the next traffic light and became completely disa... Read more
MITSUBISHI
OUTLANDER PHEV
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 18, 2026
Coolant intrusion in the engine block. The engine only has 45,000 miles on it.
Incident date: May 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2018 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was taken to the residence while driving approximately 30 MPH. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that there was a misfire in cylinder #3, and that the head gasket and fuel injectors needed to be rep... Read more
Incident date: Aug 25, 2025
The contact’s daughter owns a 2018 Honda Odyssey. The contact stated that after the vehicle was idling at a stoplight and then attempting to accelerate after the light turned green, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The owner then became aware of white smoke coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road and the vehicle sta... Read more
TOYOTA
SIENNA HYBRID
(2025) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 10, 2026
The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Colorado. While the contact’s husband was driving into the driveway at the residence, the steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn. The vehicle was parked, and the hood was opened to determine the cause of the failure. The contact’s husband discovered that the serpentine belt had slipped off the pulley because the pulley was fractured. The cause of th... Read more
Incident date: Jul 3, 2026
I was driving down the freeway and the motor suddenly stopped working, had to wait for hours in the 100 degree heat for a tow truck. I was informed by Toyota that a fuel injector failed and that it was leaking fuel into the cylinder.
CHEVROLET
SILVERADO 1500
(2026) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
While driving down the road, I came to a stop and the vehicle started flashing every light then would not restart or allow the vehicle to be put into neutral. Initially thought maybe a battery issue despite my new battery being only eight months old replaced the battery and all the electronics started going haywire requiring the vehicle to be towed.
Incident date: Jul 27, 2026
When driving on highway, the engine light came on and the car suddenly slowed down causing me concern about traffic around me still going at highway speed. Not understanding what the issue was and afraid the car would lose all power, I was able to shift lanes quickly to get to the breakdown lane. I was able to get the car to Honda Dealer driving at slow speed using back roads. The Honda Dealer c... Read more
Incident date: Mar 7, 2025
My car keeps going into limp mode seasonally, it also emits bad odors when given throttle, and it is definitely lacking power. Situation has also caused a misfire on my 3rd cylinder and a super rough idle and start
EVENFLO
NURTUREMAX
(9999) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
For several months before the failure, the Auto Idle Stop (engine stop-start) system became progressively slower to restart the engine after stopping. Each restart sounded sluggish, as though the starter was dragging, and the vehicle would remain stopped for several extra seconds before moving. This occurred repeatedly at traffic lights and other stops creating a safety concern as drivers behind m... Read more
Incident date: Jul 17, 2026
My 2017 Kia Niro exhibits a dangerous low-speed engine surging hazard matching Safety Recall SC276. An authorized Kia dealership technician inspected the vehicle under RO #6115244 and formally documented 'seeping fluid residue' inside the clutch actuator housing. However, the dealership and Kia Corporate are refusing to honor the recall remedy and have released the car at a $0.00 balance while exp... Read more
ALFA ROMEO
GIULIA
(2017) - ENGINE
Jul 28, 2026
Incident date: Apr 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2013 Audi A5. The contact stated that after activating the AC system, there was hot air and a burning odor coming from the passenger’s side vents. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V002000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact called an independent mechanic and referenced the recall campaign. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was... Read more
Incident date: Jul 9, 2026
"I was not notified of Campaign 974 and later experienced engine problems/failure. I am requesting review of whether the campaign was completed and whether the failure is related to the condition the campaign was intended to detect. My engine failed while pulling up to a house, stopping, then preparing to move again the car stalled, car stalled, car would not start for several times tried, then ... Read more
Incident date: Jul 28, 2026
The vehicle experienced a sudden, severe mechanical engine condition resulting in a violent rough idle, loss of motive power, and a flashing Check Engine light with hard misfire codes on Cylinders 4, 5, and 6 (the entire driver-side engine bank). Additionally, the vehicle has been losing engine coolant internally with no external leaks or puddles on the ground, indicating fluid is entering the com... Read more
Incident date: Jun 19, 2026
While stopped at a traffic light, the engine began producing a loud metallic clattering and clanking sound, consistent with connecting rod bearing failure (rod knock). There was no prior warning light or indication of this specific failure. When the light changed, the vehicle would not accelerate normally, leaving me stalled in a lane of moving traffic. I was forced to make an emergency turn to ge... Read more